If you want to find out the easiest way to propagate beautiful Hibiscus, follow our guide on How to Grow Hibiscus Plant from a Cutting!
Hibiscus or Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis is also known as Chinese Hibiscus. There are many varieties ranging from tropical to hardy Hibiscus, and you should know that it is quite an easy affair to propagate Hibiscus. Know everything about How to Grow a Hibiscus Plant from a Cutting! No matter whichever variety you choose to go ahead with, hardy Hibiscus is easier than tropical ones.
Some Important Points to Consider Before Propagating Hibiscus from Cuttings
- You should water the plant well one day before you decide to take the cuttings. Also, ensure that the plant did not dry out 2-3 weeks prior.
- It would be best if you always planned on taking the cuttings in the early hours of the morning when plants are most hydrated.
- For Hibiscus, the last month of winter, early spring, or summer is the best time to take Hibiscus cuttings.
- Always opt for semi-hardwood cuttings. It is ideal for taking a cutting from a branch with no flowers. Do not snip away the too soft or too hard stems. Also, stay away from dull stems or limping ones, or any with injuries or diseases.
- You should take multiple cuttings because if your success rate drops, at least 1-2 will survive.
Sanitize all your tools by rubbing alcohol on them and placing them on a clean paper towel.
Things You Will Need:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Utility knife
- Perlite
- Coarse sand
- Wooden skewers
- Rooting hormone powder (optional)
- Plant mister
- 4-inch plastic nursery pot
- 1-gallon plastic bag
Best Growing Medium
The perfect soil medium for starting Hibiscus cuttings is a moisture-retaining, well-draining mix of half perlite and half coarse sand. To create the ideal mixture, you can add high-quality potting soil that contains one part of peat moss or sand. Even coco coir makes for an excellent growing medium to start Hibiscus cuttings.
How to Grow Hibiscus Plant from a Cutting
- Set up small containers with enough drainage holes at the bottom. Fill in the pots with 2-3 inches of the starting medium.
- Poke a small hole in the soil mix and place the cutting in. Do not use the cutting to make the hole in the container, as it can damage it.
- Backfill all around the cutting to make it stand upright.
- Moisture is crucial for successfully propagating hibiscus cuttings. Secure it tight using twines. Place a big plastic bag over the container to make it work as a “greenhouse” and retain humidity around the leaves.
- Prop up the plastic bag using 2-3 wooden skewers. Make sure the bag does not touch the leaves at any time.
- Keep the containers in a spot that receives bright but indirect sunlight for 4-6 hours every day. You can set it near a partially shaded west-facing window that receives bright but not too intense sunlight.
- Water the medium whenever it feels almost dry. You can check the top 1-2 inches of the soil with your fingers to check for moisture. Do not allow for the soil to go completely dry. You can also mist the leaves daily to help keep the soil consistently and evenly moist. Do not overwater.
- Be patient for the next 4-12 weeks for the cuttings to establish a root system. If you do not notice any signs of disease or rotting, keep taking care of them until you see the new growth.
How To Root Hibiscus Cuttings In Water?
A vase full of Hibiscus cuttings can look attractive on a coffee table, kitchen table, windowsill, or desk. You can save a lot of effort if you grow the cuttings in water. Also, you can watch the new growth of the roots. Follow these steps:
- You can place 1-4 cuttings into one vase or container to allow them to grow together. Place the cuttings directly into the water. Ensure you do not crowd the container.
- After 7-10 days, you will notice white-colored bumps on the cuttings. Wait for 25-30 days to see the tiny roots on your cuttings.
- Place your cuttings in a location that receives bright but indirect sunlight.
- When the roots begin to turn a lighter shade of tan, you will know the cuttings are ready to be transplanted.
- Place the cuttings into individual containers with the best potting mix. Water it every day to keep them growing, healthy, and happy.
Tips For Successfully Growing Hibiscus from a Cutting In Water
1. Use Warm Water
You should always use warm water to avoid putting the cuttings into shock. You can use filtered water or rainwater. If you are using tap water, allow it to sit for 24-30 hours to let all the chemicals dissipate.
2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Add 4-8 drops of hydrogen peroxide to help you keep any fungal infection at bay.
3. Refresh Water Daily
Carefully rinse the cuttings under warm water to keep them clean and safe from any infection risks. Also, when you refresh the water, cleaning up the container thoroughly is best. Change the water every day to prevent any chances of fungal infection.